Life By Design

This week on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne sits down with bestselling author, business development expert, and founder of Bunnell Idea Group, Mo Bunnell, for a thoughtful conversation about how to grow your business and career by building genuine relationships rooted in generosity and trust.
Mo shares the research behind why strategic givers often outperform their peers and why the most meaningful growth comes from serving others in intentional and sustainable ways. Together, they explore what it really means to give without strings attached while still being thoughtful about your time, energy, and boundaries.
You will hear practical insights and phrases you can use right away to offer value upfront, make confident asks, and nurture connections that evolve over time. Plus, how three relationship-deepening actions per week can spark momentum, broaden your positive influence, and bring new opportunities your way.
If you’ve ever struggled with the discomfort of selling or simply want a more relationship-centered approach to life and work, this conversation will transform the way you think about giving, asking, and building a path that serves both others and yourself.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The difference between traditional sales and a relationship-driven, service-focused approach to building business
• How operating from a place of abundance and strategic giving can break through scarcity mindsets and foster authentic, valuable connections
• Why the person who makes the most offers of helpfulness is going to win the most business almost every time
• How the highest performers know how to say yes (and no) and size their contributions thoughtfully
• Phrases and conversation starters you can use immediately to build momentum, suggest next steps, and move relationships forward
• Why focusing on three meaningful actions each week can transform your business and life
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Feeling stretched thin or stuck in constant output mode? Join Dr. Robyne’s Day in Quarters workshop and learn how to design your days with intention, so you can show up fully at work, at home, and in life.
March 18 & 19 | Two live 55-minute sessions.
Save your spot: https://drrobyne.ca/day-in-quarters-workshop/
Additional Resources:
• Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career by Mo Bunnell
• The Snowball System: How to Win More Business and Turn Clients into Raving Fans by Mo Bunnell
• Free Give to Grow Supplemental Resources: givetogrow.info
• Mo’s Podcast: Real Relationships Real Revenue
• Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
Get in Touch with Mo:
• Website: https://bunnellideagroup.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
• Watch episodes on YouTube
• Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So
• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
• Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
• Visit Drrobyne.ca
• Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Disclaimer

In this episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne welcomes health and self-leadership coach, author, speaker, and podcast host Courtney Townley for a refreshingly honest conversation about the noise and pressure that often surround modern wellness culture. Together, they explore why chasing one-size-fits-all solutions and holding ourselves to unrealistic standards so often leaves us feeling frustrated, disconnected, and farther from true well-being.
This conversation offers a more human way forward: one rooted in authentic self-awareness, radical responsibility, and compassionate curiosity. From the power of “Isn’t that interesting?” as an antidote to self-judgment to the importance of setting healthy boundaries (even when it feels uncomfortable), they share practical insights and small, accessible practices for tuning in, soothing your nervous system, and honoring what you need.
If you’re ready to reclaim your sense of agency, experiment with supportive practices, and explore what genuinely feels nourishing for you, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The importance of self-leadership skills in navigating health and life changes (not just following “cookie-cutter” protocols)
• How emotional well-being is linked to physical health
• Two major pillars of resilience: removing unnecessary stress and leaning into purposeful, growth-building stress
• How curiosity can interrupt self-judgment, build emotional capacity, and spark growth
• Ways to consciously shift your inner narrative
• Why boundaries are an act of respect for yourself, and practical strategies for setting them
• The critical difference between being a “dictator” to your body versus being in relationship with it
• Tips for experimenting with body-based practices so you can find what genuinely supports your regulation and well-being
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Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/
Additional Resources:
• The Consistency Code: A Midlife Woman’s Guide to Deep Health and Happiness by Courtney Townley
• Courtney’s Podcast: Grace & Grit
• The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
• Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk: Do schools kill creativity?
Get in Touch with Courtney:
• Website: https://graceandgrit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegrit/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-townley-a470a236
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
• Watch episodes on YouTube
• Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So
• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
• Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
• Visit Drrobyne.ca
• Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Disclaimer

Today on Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by the insightful Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, a passionate global learning strategist, educator, and author dedicated to making learning more efficient and enjoyable for students of all ages. Together, they unpack the real challenges of learning within rigid educational systems and discuss how holistic learning strategies can empower students to find ease, confidence, and even joy in their educational journeys.
Dr. Deena shares why “learning how to learn” is the missing skill, how technology and AI can be harnessed ethically to enhance study habits, and why rest, connection, and self-compassion are non-negotiable for sustainable achievement.
Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear practical tools and thoughtful guidance for students, supporters, and educators, including what tends to get in the way of learning and what we can begin doing differently to foster true resilience and well-being.
If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on how to support your children, your students, or even yourself, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped to bring more compassion, clarity, and relief into the learning process.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How holistic learning strategies and building a personalized toolbox can transform the education experience for learners of all ages
• Why learning can and should feel good, and how that’s possible even within rigid educational systems
• Insights into why tests and timed assessments are still used
• How using free AI tools and the Awakened Learning Method can support students’ study practices
• Effective ways parents and educators can support learners without added pressure
• Practical ways to foster confidence, curiosity, and self-advocacy in any learning environment
***
Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/
Additional Resources:
• Feel Good Learning: On how to prioritise, focus, study, and learn everything better by Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD
• Raising Well Learners: Helping parents support students from stress to success by Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD
• Free Resources for Learners – Awakened Learning
• Low-Cost Resources for Learners – Awakened Learning
• All-Welcome Skill-Build – “The Essentials”: Giving students, parents, and educators practical, holistic learning strategies
• Awakened Learning newsletter – Get free resources and learning strategies straight to your inbox
• Free AI tools mentioned to support learning/studying: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Magic ToDo, NotebookLM
Get in Touch with Dr. Deena:
• Website: http://www.awakenedlearning.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenedlearning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenakarashaffer/
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
• Watch episodes on YouTube
• Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So
• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
• Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
• Visit Drrobyne.ca
• Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Disclaimer

In today’s episode, Dr. Robyne welcomes author, personal branding strategist, and entrepreneur Rory Vaden for a practical and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to create lasting change, both for ourselves and for the people we serve. Together, they explore why the highest performers don’t chase shortcuts but instead commit to doing the difficult, meaningful work others often avoid. Rory shares his “take the stairs” philosophy, reminding us that real progress comes from consistently choosing long-term results over immediate comfort.
You’ll hear why enjoyment isn’t a requirement for meaningful action, how the “pain paradox” reveals that tough choices today often create an easier future, and why unglamorous, boring habits can radically transform your life. They also discuss why hope isn’t just a soft skill but a tactical advantage, and how shifting your thinking from “Is it possible?” to “How could it be possible?” unlocks new pathways and opportunities.
If you’re ready to redefine your habits, design your future with intention, or find the courage to share your story, this episode is your invitation to think long-term, commit to the work, embrace the messy middle, and trust that every setback is preparing you for something greater.
Listener note: This conversation includes mention of suicide. If this topic feels sensitive for you, please take care while listening.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The four levels of influence and how understanding them can multiply your impact
• Why the highest performers aren’t chasing shortcuts
• The “pain paradox” and how embracing tough moments now leads to easier, more fulfilled living later
• How hope is both a strategy and a superpower for leadership, personal growth, and resilience
• Tactical mindset shifts to help you ask better questions and unlock new possibilities
• Why you’re most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were
• What it truly means to unlearn limitation, reprogram your thinking, and step into identities you once thought impossible
***
Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/
Additional Resources:
• Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory Vaden
• Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time by Rory Vaden
• Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue by Rory & AJ Vaden
• Rory’s podcast with his wife AJ: Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast
• TEDx Talk: How to Multiply Your Time | Rory Vaden
• Have a calling on your heart and interested in learning more about how to turn your passion into a business? - Request a free brand call with Brand Builders Group by visiting www.freebrandcall.com/lifebydesign
Get in Touch with Rory:
• Website: https://roryvaden.com/
• Website (Brand Builders Group): https://brandbuildersgroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryvaden/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roryvaden
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoryVadenYT/videos
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
• Watch episodes on YouTube
• Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So
• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
• Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
• Visit Drrobyne.ca
• Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Disclaimer

How do we protect hope and keep our hearts open when the world feels heavy and uncertain?
In this week’s episode of Life by Design, Dr. Robyne is joined by Dr. James Rouse, a high-performance coach, author, speaker, and functional medicine doctor, for a heart-opening conversation about hope and purposeful living in challenging times.
Together, they explore the science and soul behind hope as a collective remedy, the importance of giving ourselves permission to embrace possibility, and practical strategies for giving cortisol a job and channeling stress into meaningful action. From the transformative practice of “soft eyes” – seeing ourselves and others with compassion – to riding the natural rhythms of our day, Dr. James shares actionable insights to help us find strength, joy, and openness, especially when we’re tempted to turn inward or shrink in the face of adversity.
This conversation is a call to stand audaciously in hope, to care deeply, and to become a disruptive force for good, no matter how dark or loud the world becomes. Whether you’re searching for a dose of hope or practical self-care, you’re invited into a field beyond right and wrong, where you can meet yourself and others with love, openness, and the courage to co-create big, bright futures.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How embracing hope, even in times of adversity and uncertainty, is a science-backed remedy for personal and collective resilience
• What it means to protect hope, and why humanity needs this heroic activity now more than ever
• How to give cortisol a job and finish the stress cycle through high noticing, intentional practices, and meaning-making
• The power of “soft eyes” as a daily practice for self-compassion, trust, and agency
• Why giving yourself permission to care, stay open, and love deeply transforms personal relationships and leadership
• The importance of showing up with authenticity, audacious hope, and collaborative spirit, even when the world asks us to turn down our light
***
Dr. Robyne’s new book, I Hope So, is now available! Order your copy today by visiting: https://drrobyne.ca/hope/
Additional Resources:
• Dr. James’s Podcast with wife Dr. Debra Rouse: Love & Life Elevated
• Books by Dr. James Rouse
• Dr. James’s Free Resources
Get in Touch with Dr. James:
• Website: https://www.drjamesrouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjamesrouse/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjamesrouse/
Get in Touch with Dr. Robyne:
• Watch episodes on YouTube
• Get Dr. Robyne's book: Calm Within The Storm
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: Stress Wisely
• Get Dr. Robyne’s book: I Hope So
• Join Dr. Robyne’s Stress Wisely Labs
• Follow Dr. Robyne on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Robyne's LinkedIn
• Visit Drrobyne.ca
• Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox every week
Disclaimer